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The Pediatric Neurologist as Expert Witness with Particular Reference to Perinatal Asphyxia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 February 2017

Michael I. Shevell
Michael I. Shevell*
Affiliation:
Departments of Neurology/Neurosurgery, Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, and Division of Pediatric Neurology, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
*
Montreal Children's Hospital, 2300 Tupper Street, Room A-514, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3H 1P3
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Abstract:

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The frequency of litigation related to alleged medical malpractice is increasing in Canada. For the neurologist, involvement in such litigation most often takes place in the context of acting as an expert witness and, for the pediatric neurologist, the most common clinical situation for which expertise is requested is that of possible perinatal asphyxia. The medical expert's primary role is to provide necessary guidance and assistance to the court, which may permit the rendering of decisions that are scientifically valid. This article will review the attributes of the medical expert witness. Aspects of perinatal asphyxia cases under litigation that commonly require the assistance of pediatric neurology expertise such as etiology, timing, extent of disability and life expectancy will also be reviewed in detail. The aim is to provide for the neurologist a clearer understanding of the responsibilities inherent in this increasing professional role.

Résumé:

RÉSUMÉ:

La fréquence des litiges pour faute médicale présumée augmente au Canada. Pour le neurologue, son implication dans de telles causes est la plupart du temps comme témoin expert et pour le neuropédiatre, la situation clinique la plus fréquente pour laquelle on demande son expertise est lorsqu'il y a possibilité d'asphyxie périnatale. Le rôle principal de l'expert médical est de fournir les conseils et l'aide nécessaires à la cour afin que les décisions rendues soient scientifiquement valides. Cet article revoit les qualités du témoin expert médical. Les aspects des cas d'asphyxie périnatale faisant l'objet de litiges qui requièrent souvent l'expertise du neuropédiatre tels l'étiologie, la chronologie, le degré d'invalidité et l'espérance de vie sont également revus en détail. Le but de cet article est de fournir au neurologue une meilleure compréhension des responsabilités inhérentes à cette fonction professionnelle à laquelle on a de plus en plus souvent recours.

Type
Review Article
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 28 , Issue 2 , May 2001 , pp. 107 - 112
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 2001

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